Free throw instructions

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Ray_from_Mi

I find that high school players understand that less is more. Sometimes when we say 'one-an-one' after the 1st made basket, players will return to offense and defensive positions, clearing not understanding the phrase, 'one and one' and awaiting the 2nd throw while standing in the blocks. The word 'play' lets everyone know that on this shot play will resume.
I'm sure its frustrating for a coach and maybe the players when the team has the ball and is still dribbling or passing the ball when time expires. The mention to 'check your clock' is a reminder for both teams that time will expire very soon. I have noticed that after saying that, some, (not all) players actually check the clock and I've got to believe, have there thoughts focused on gettng a shot off in the waning seconds, or maybe having the moxie to call a TO (if one is needed).

You should not care what a team is doing when time expires or if their actions frustrate their coach. Your job is to officiate the action, not direct it.

You are unfairly impacting the game by alerting whichever team ends up with possession following the FT attempt to the clock situation or possibly the defending team which can now opt to employ a strategy that they otherwise would not have (purposely giving a foul). That kind of awareness is the responsibility of the team members and coaches.

You need to stay out of this as your advice could be seen as helping one side or the other near the end of a tight ballgame. That is WAY outside of the purview of an official. The game officials are to be neutral observers, adjudicators, and administrators of the contest.

Sorry, if this seems like people are jumping on you, but we really want you to understand how your comments can be taken and prevent you from landing in a seriously ugly situation.

[eyezen]

Originally Posted by Ray_from_Mi

I find that high school players understand that less is more. Sometimes when we say 'one-an-one' after the 1st made basket, players will return to offense and defensive positions, clearing not understanding the phrase, 'one and one' and awaiting the 2nd throw while standing in the blocks. The word 'play' lets everyone know that on this shot play will resume.

I doubt you'll find a HS aged player that doesn't know what a one-and-one is. Do they get brain farts and do something silly, yes, but they're not misunderstanding. Either way it's not our job to make sure they know what to do.

Originally Posted by Ray_from_Mi

I'm sure its frustrating for a coach and maybe the players when the team has the ball and is still dribbling or passing the ball when time expires. The mention to 'check your clock' is a reminder for both teams that time will expire very soon. I have noticed that after saying that, some, (not all) players actually check the clock and I've got to believe, have there thoughts focused on gettng a shot off in the waning seconds, or maybe having the moxie to call a TO (if one is needed).

Don't know where to begin...so I'll leave it simply as don't do this.

Originally Posted by Ray_from_Mi

Wow ! coaching?? how do you get that out of 'check your clock'? I suppose then during a 'long' time-out you don't inform the team that the 1st horn has sounded? or when lined up for free throws you don't indicate how many are to be attempted? or that you don't talk to players to de-fuse a situation? If you do any of those, then you must be guilty of 'coaching' as well. Welcome to the club...

First of all, stating "first horn" on a "long" (or in fact a "short" ) timeout is required by our mechanics. So is indicating the number of FT's. Talking to player to defuse a situation is GOOD game management. The rest of what you are suggesting is nothing close to GOOD game management.